Portugal End Super Eagles’ 12-Match Unbeaten Run with 2-1 Victory in Friendly Game
Portugal End Super Eagles’ 12-Match Unbeaten Run with 2-1 Victory in Friendly Game
Nigeria’s 12-match unbeaten streak came to an end on Wednesday night as Portugal secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Super Eagles in an international friendly in Lisbon.
The hosts opened the scoring in the 23rd minute when Pedro Neto capitalised on a defensive lapse by Nigeria to fire a low shot beyond goalkeeper Maduka Okoye.
The Super Eagles responded positively and restored parity in the 37th minute. Akor Adams showed strength and determination to latch onto a long ball from Okoye before combining with Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and finishing calmly to make it 1-1.
Portugal made seven substitutions at the start of the second half and quickly took control of the contest. Their dominance paid off in the 75th minute when Juventus winger Francisco Conceição produced a moment of brilliance, beating his marker before curling a precise left-footed strike into the far corner.
Nigeria pushed for another equaliser in the closing stages but were unable to break through Portugal’s defence, as the hosts held on to claim the victory.
The defeat marked the Super Eagles’ first loss in 12 matches, bringing an impressive unbeaten run across competitive and friendly fixtures to an end.
Despite the setback, the match was a memorable occasion for Alex Iwobi, who made his 100th appearance for Nigeria, becoming only the fourth player in the country’s history to reach the century mark for the national team.
The win provides Portugal with a confidence boost ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they will compete in Group K alongside DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia.
